The path leads to the summit of Monte Plauris and reveals unique landscapes, weaving through precious environments and unveiling the botanical gems of the Julian Prealps Park
Monte Plauris: a true natural botanical garden. A treasure chest of biodiversity that, towering over Monte Cjampon and Monte Cuarnan, looks harsh and imposing over the Friulian plain.
The origins, geographical position, geomorphological characteristics and the relationship with man have created completely peculiar environmental conditions for this massif that are reflected in the variety and richness of vegetation and flora.
Walking the paths crossing it or reaching the summit allows discovering a multitude of environments that change with the seasons, offering visitors the chance for new discoveries and to be emotionally involved.
It will not be unlikely to also spot typical alpine animals such as chamois, ibex and, with some luck, eagles and griffon vultures in the sky.
Due to its length and the presence of some steep and exposed sections at the top, this itinerary is recommended for experienced and trained people.
The best period to travel this itinerary is between late spring and early summer, when alpine blooms color the meadows with a thousand shades.
At the end of the route, a stop at Malga Confin will restore your energy and you can purchase excellent dairy products.
It is possible to complete the itinerary in two days, staying overnight in the welcoming Casera Cjariguart. Please note that the structure is open and unmanaged; its maintenance is carried out by volunteers and therefore maximum care and cleanliness of the structure are recommended.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
In case of injuries, call 112 NUE
Ticks are present throughout Friuli Venezia Giulia; it is advisable to learn about prevention and protection methods: Tick information from FVG region
The route is not recommended after and during adverse weather conditions and in the hot summer months.
The road to access Malga Confin is
Please make sure to take home every kind of waste and preserve the places you pass through as much as possible.
Please remember that collecting plant species or parts of them is prohibited within the Natural Park and may be subject to restrictions according to Regional Law 7/2009 in external areas. At this link you can consult the list of protected species.
Inside protected areas dogs must be kept on a leash.
After leaving the car near Malga Confin, take the CAI path no. 702/a which gradually becomes steeper through wooded bands and pastures. At about 1680m altitude, you reach CAI path no. 702, which must be followed by continuing right across until Forca Slips. This section includes some short slippery passages that require special attention.
Upon reaching Forca Slips (altitude 1701m) take CAI path no. 701 that climbs along the southern slopes of the massif. At 1940m altitude, a steep trail on the right allows you to reach the summit of Monte Plauris (1958m) from where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Eastern Alps and the Tauern.
Once down from the summit, continue on CAI path no. 701 moving over the scree slopes of the north-western side. Here a steep descent quickly loses altitude and leads towards Passo Maleet (1620m). Just before the pass, turn left onto CAI path no. 728/a which shortly leads to Casera Cjariguart, located in the homonymous basin and a place of exquisite beauty where you can rest before continuing.
After the stop, retrace your steps for a few dozen meters and continue along CAI no. 728/a which crosses the northern slopes of the Somp Selve and Cervada peaks until reaching, at about 1380m altitude, the Coi bivouac and CAI path no. 728.
Continue along the latter crossing for about 4.6km the southern slopes of Monte Plauris with their typical pre-alpine meadows and arriving at Malga Ungarina (altitude 1300m).
From here continue along CAI path no. 726 which in this stretch shares its route with the access road to Malga Confin, a destination reached after about 1.5km thus closing the itinerary.
Bus
Venzone is well connected with several public bus lines. To know schedules and stops, visit the TPL FVG website
Train:
Venzone has a train station. For train schedules please consult the Trenitalia website
There are no public transport lines that go to Malga Confin
From the A23 motorway exit Gemona-Osoppo take the SR UD 49 "Osovana" north towards Gemona del Friuli and then the SS13 towards Tarvisio. Venzone is reached in about 15 minutes from the exit
From the A23 motorway exit Carnia take the SS52 south and near the town of Carnia continue towards Udine on the SS13. Venzone is reached in about 15 minutes from the exit.
The ascent to Malga Confin is at the end of Via Sottomonte, from which you turn right onto Via Flagiel. There are signposts.
The ascent is on asphalt for the first 4km, then on white road with some cemented sections for the remaining 8km (with several ramps and also narrow hairpin bends).
There are several parking lots near Malga Confin.
Guide to the botanical route of Monte Plauris (only in Italian)
A suitable equipment is recommended for outdoor activities:
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.